2.4 Mesh Topology

Mesh Topology

Mesh Topology

A mesh network is a local area network (LAN) that employs one of two connection arrangements, full mesh topology or partial mesh topology. In the full mesh topology, each node (workstation or other device) is connected directly to each of the others. In the partial mesh topology, some nodes are connected to all the others, but some of the nodes are connected only to those other nodes with which they exchange the most data.

The illustration shows a full mesh network with five nodes. Each node is shown as a sphere, and connections are shown as straight lines. The connections can be wired or wireless.

A mesh network is reliable and offers redundancy. If one node can no longer operate, all the rest can still communicate with each other, directly or through one or more intermediate nodes. Mesh networks work well when the nodes are located at scattered points that do not lie near a common line.

The chief drawback of the mesh topology is expense, because of the large number of cables and connections required. In some scenarios, a ring network or star network may prove more cost effective than a mesh network. If all the nodes lie near a common line, the bus network topology is often the best alternative in terms of cost.

There are two types of  Mesh Topology

1. Full Mesh Topology

In this, like a true mesh, each component is connected to every other component. Even after considering the redundancy factor and cost of this network, its main advantage is that the network traffic can be redirected to other nodes if one of the nodes goes down. Full mesh topology is used only for backbone networks.

2. Partial Mesh Topology

This is far more practical as compared to full mesh topology. Here, some of the systems are connected in similar fashion as in mesh topology while rests of the systems are only connected to 1 or 2 devices. It can be said that in partial mesh,the workstations are ‘indirectly’ connected to other devices. This one is less costly and also reduces redundancy.

Advantages 

1. Data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously. This topology can withstand high traffic.
2. Even if one of the components fails there is always an alternative present. So data transfer doesn’t get affected.
3. Expansion and modification in topology can be done without disrupting other nodes.

Disadvantages 

1. There are high chances of redundancy in many of the network connections.
2. Overall cost of this network is way too high as compared to other network topologies.
3. Set-up and maintenance of this topology is very difficult. Even administration of the network is tough.